Austin Stafford

Linebacker prospect Austin Stafford is part of an impressive influx of defensive talent in Nebraska's 2007 recruiting class. The 6-2, 205-pound Stafford hails from Hayward, Calif., and is one of four signees from California in this year's class, continuing Nebraska's committment to recruiting the GoldenState. Stafford played defensive end for Coach Casey Moreno at HaywardHigh School, but projects to linebacker on the collegiate level. Stafford had a dominant senior season, helping Hayward to a 12-2 record by recording 14 sacks and better than 80 tackles. He was a first-team all-league selection for his performance. As a junior defensive end, Stafford posted impressive numbers, accounting for 83 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and two fumble recoveries. He also earned first-team all-league honors as a junior. Scout.com ranks Stafford as a four-star recruit and the No. 10 weakside linebacker prospect in the country, while SuperPrep Magazine lists him in the top 100 prospects in the state of California. Stafford is a three-star prospect according to Rivals.com, which lists him as the No. 26 outside linebacker prospect in the country and the 45th-ranked overall player in the state of California. Stafford is also a starter on Hayward's basketball team. Stafford took his lone visit to Nebraska, but also received strong recruiting interest from Utah and San DiegoState among others. Stafford is the son of Joyce Stafford and was born on Sept. 11, 1989.